Topical Bible: Character: Firmness of

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Definition and Importance
Firmness of character refers to the steadfastness, resoluteness, and unwavering commitment to principles and beliefs. In the biblical context, firmness is often associated with faithfulness to God, adherence to His commandments, and the ability to stand firm in the face of trials and temptations. It is a quality that is highly esteemed in Scripture, as it reflects a deep trust in God and a commitment to His ways.

Biblical Examples

1. Job
Job is a quintessential example of firmness in character. Despite losing his wealth, health, and family, Job remained steadfast in his faith. He declared, "Though He slays me, I will hope in Him. I will surely defend my ways to His face" (Job 13:15). Job's unwavering trust in God amidst severe trials exemplifies the firmness of character.

2. Daniel
Daniel demonstrated firmness by refusing to defile himself with the king's food and wine, choosing instead to adhere to his dietary convictions (Daniel 1:8). His resolute faithfulness is further highlighted when he continued to pray to God despite the decree that anyone who prayed to any god or man other than King Darius would be thrown into the lions' den (Daniel 6:10). Daniel's firmness in his devotion to God resulted in divine protection and favor.

3. Apostle Paul
Paul's life and ministry are marked by firmness in the face of persecution and hardship. He writes, "We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed" (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). Paul's unwavering commitment to preaching the Gospel, despite numerous trials, exemplifies the firmness of character.

Teachings on Firmness

1. Ephesians 6:13-14
Paul exhorts believers to "take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed" . This passage emphasizes the importance of spiritual preparedness and firmness in the face of spiritual battles.

2. James 1:12
James highlights the blessing of firmness under trial: "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him" . Firmness is portrayed as a pathway to divine reward and eternal life.

3. 1 Corinthians 15:58
Paul encourages believers to be steadfast: "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain" . This verse underscores the value of firmness in one's commitment to God's work.

Practical Application

Firmness of character is essential for Christians seeking to live a life that honors God. It involves a commitment to truth, righteousness, and faithfulness, regardless of external pressures or challenges. Believers are called to cultivate firmness through prayer, study of Scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. By doing so, they can stand firm in their faith and witness to the world, reflecting the steadfast nature of God Himself.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 57:7
My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.
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Psalm 108:1
O god, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.
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Psalm 112:7
He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.
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Matthew 10:22
And you shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endures to the end shall be saved.
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Mark 4:20
And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirty times, some sixty, and some an hundred.
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1 Corinthians 7:20
Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
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2 Thessalonians 2:15
Therefore, brothers, stand fast, and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word, or our letter.
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2 Thessalonians 3:3
But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and keep you from evil.
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Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
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Hebrews 13:9
Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
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James 1:25
But whoever looks into the perfect law of liberty, and continues therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
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Library

Our Answer on the Fickle Character of Our Thoughts.
... Our answer on the fickle character of our thoughts ... have acquired any fixed steadfastness
of the purity which we long for, or any strength and firmness; but only ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter iii our answer on.htm

The Character of the Enemies of Religion.
... Chapter XIV."The Character of the Enemies of Religion ... woman in Alexandria, conquered
the passionate and intemperate soul of Maximinus by most heroic firmness. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xiv the character of the.htm

True Greatness
... requisite either for power with others, or for greatness in a man's own development
of character, is that there shall be this unwavering firmness of grasp of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/true greatness.htm

The Servant's Inflexible Resolve
... To the influence of His character more than to any other cause may be ... the more
distinctly heroic, masculine; and that not merely passive firmness of endurance ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the servants inflexible resolve.htm

A Good Man's Faults
... his character, and mars his whole future. The two specific faults recorded of him
are his over-indulgence in the case of Mark, and his want of firmness in ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a good mans faults.htm

John Calvin. His Life and Character.
... justly observes, p. 242) his utter ignorance of Calvin's character, whose only ... not
fulfill the difficult task with more Christian firmness, intelligent justice ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 56 john calvin his.htm

Thoughts on a Revelation.
... infidels have rejoiced, candid inquirers have been perplexed, and even those who
have held with firmness decided views on the distinctive character of the ...
/.../jerram/thoughts on a revelation/thoughts on a revelation.htm

Christian Casuistry.
... with the force of contrast, giving to each sex those excellencies in which it is
naturally deficient; to the one strength of character and firmness of moral ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/xiii christian casuistry.htm

Caesar's Household
... the faith of Christ with winning power, and by signs and miracles he had given
unmistakable evidence of its divine character. With noble firmness he had risen ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 44 caesars household.htm

The Trial of Peter's Love to Christ.
... Cephas and Peter, which signify a rock, or stone, were names given him of Christ,
expressive of that firmness of character, for which he was remarkable. ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xiii the trial of.htm